American Horror Story: Cult
American Horror Story: Cult | |
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![]() Promotional poster and home media cover art | |
Starring | |
No. of episodes | 2 |
Release | |
Original network | FX |
Original release | September 5, 2017 present | –
Season chronology | |
American Horror Story: Cult is the seventh season of the FX horror anthology television series American Horror Story. The season was picked up on October 4, 2016,[1][2] and premiered on September 5, 2017.[3] Returning cast members from previous seasons include: Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Cheyenne Jackson, Adina Porter, Frances Conroy, Mare Winningham, Emma Roberts, Chaz Bono, John Carroll Lynch and James Morosini. New additions to the cast are Billie Lourd and Alison Pill.
Cast and characters
Main
- Sarah Paulson as Template:AHSCharacter
- Evan Peters as Template:AHSCharacter[a]
- Cheyenne Jackson as Template:AHSCharacter
- Billie Lourd as Template:AHSCharacter
- Alison Pill as Template:AHSCharacter
Special guest stars
Recurring
- Cooper Dodson as Template:AHSCharacter
- John Carroll Lynch as Template:AHSCharacter
- Chaz Bono as Template:AHSCharacter
- Colton Haynes as Template:AHSCharacter
- Adina Porter as Template:AHSCharacter
- Leslie Grossman as Template:AHSCharacter
Upcoming
- Lena Dunham as Valerie Solanas[7][8]
- Emma Roberts as Serina Belinda[9][10]
- Frances Conroy[11]
- Mare Winningham[11]
- James Morosini[12]
Episodes
The season will consist of a total of 11 episodes.[13]
No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | U.S. viewers (millions) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
74 | 1 | "Election Night" | Bradley Buecker | Ryan Murphy & Brad Falchuk | September 5, 2017 | 7ATS01 | 3.93[14] |
Ally and Ivy are a married lesbian couple who have a son named Oz. Ally suffers from several phobias, which reappear after learning that Donald Trump won the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Her fear of clowns becomes more remarkable and begins to ruin her life. Ally goes to her psychologist, Dr. Rudy Vincent, where she discovers another of her phobias, trypophobia. Rudy recommends a medicine to calm her phobia-induced anxiety. Meanwhile, Kai and Winter are two siblings that make a mysterious pact after Trump becomes President. Kai proposes that citizens be allowed to suffer from fear, but his proposal is rejected. Winter becomes the nanny of Oz, having talked to her brother and coming to a "covenant" to join a cult. | |||||||
75 | 2 | "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" | Liza Johnson | Tim Minear | September 12, 2017 | 7ATS02 | N/A |
76 | 3 | "Neighbors from Hell"[15] | Gwyneth Horder-Payton | James Wong | September 19, 2017 | TBA | N/A |
77 | 4 | "11/9"[16] | Gwyneth Horder-Payton | John J. Gray | September 26, 2017 | TBA | N/A |
78 | 5 | "Holes"[17] | Maggie Kiley | Crystal Liu | October 3, 2017 | TBA | N/A |
79 | 6 | "Mid-Western Assassin"[18] | Bradley Buecker | Todd Kubrak | October 10, 2017 | TBA | N/A |
80 | 7 | "Valerie Solanas Died for Your Sins: Scumbag"[19] | Unknown | Unknown | October 17, 2017 | TBA | N/A |
81 | 8 | "Winter of Our Discontent"[19] | Unknown | Unknown | October 24, 2017 | TBA | N/A |
Production
Development
On October 4, 2016, the series was renewed for a seventh cycle, which is set to premiere in September 2017.[3][1][2] Ryan Murphy confirmed that the season will be connected to Freak Show; but will be set in modern day.[20] In February 2017, on Watch What Happens Live, Murphy announced that the season would revolve around the 2016 U.S. election and suggested that it may feature a character based on President Donald Trump.[21] Murphy has said that the season will be representative of both sides of the political divide. He also said that he will be "illuminating and highlighting" groups of people he believes to be "ignored by the current [Trump] administration and who are afraid and feel terrorized that their lives are going to be taken away."[22]
It was later confirmed that the season would be set in the aftermath of the presidential election, with the first episode taking place on election night.[23][13] Murphy explained it will be about "the fallout of that night, which to many people, from all sides of the camps is a horror story."[24] He also revealed the season will not feature Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, stating "Horror Story is always about allegory, so the election is allegory."[24] In April 2017, Murphy confirmed that archive footage of the election night is going to be used in the season premiere.[25]
Murphy revealed via Twitter that the details of the seventh season, including the title, would be revealed on July 20.[26] He also teased that the opening sequence of the series would return in this season, following its absence in Roanoke.[27]
On July 20, 2017, it was announced at the San Diego Comic-Con that the title of the season would be Cult. Murphy also revealed it would be set in Michigan, and confirmed it would consist of a total of 11 episodes, premiering on September 5, 2017. For the first time, the series will not air on Wednesdays but rather on Tuesdays. On August 3, 2017, online posters revealed the names of multiple characters of the season.[28] On August 21, 2017, the opening title sequence of the season was revealed, following its absence in the previous season.[29] That same month, Murphy confirmed that, contrary to the past seasons, Cult would not feature supernatural elements.[10]
Casting
During the Winter 2017 TCA Press Tour, series mainstays Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters were reported to be starring as the leads in the season.[20][2] In March 2017, Billy on the Street host Billy Eichner was announced to be cast in the series, playing a role in the life of Paulson's character.[13][30] His character is slated for appearing in "six or seven" episodes.[13] The next month, it was reported that Scream Queens alum Billie Lourd will also star in the seventh installment of the series.[23][24] In May 2017, Leslie Grossman, who starred in Murphy's series Popular, joined the cast of the series,[31] and Angela Bassett hinted she may return in a recurring role.[32] Later that month, it was confirmed via set pictures that Adina Porter and Cheyenne Jackson were also returning.[33][34] In June 2017, Murphy confirmed via his Instagram account that Colton Haynes, whom Murphy worked with previously on second season of Scream Queens, was joining the casting for the seventh season.[35] Later that month, set pictures revealed that Alison Pill was joining the cast of the season, seemingly portraying the partner of Sarah Paulson's character.[36] In July 2017, Murphy revealed via his Twitter account that Lena Dunham was joining the season.[7] She is set to play Valerie Solanas, author of the SCUM Manifesto and attempted murder of Andy Warhol, via flashbacks.[8] Murphy also confirmed the returns of Frances Conroy and Mare Winningham. Conroy has appeared in all the seasons except Hotel, while Winningham has appeared in Coven, Freak Show and Hotel.[11] In August 2017, Murphy confirmed the return of Emma Roberts, who appeared in Coven and Freak Show,[9] while Roanoke actors Chaz Bono and James Morosini also confirmed their returns.[37]
On June 26, 2017, it was confirmed that Lady Gaga would not return for the seventh season due to other projects.[38] Despite rumors, Entertainment Weekly reported on July 7, 2017, that Vera Farmiga, sister of American Horror Story alum Taissa Farmiga, would not appear in the season.[39] Later that month, it was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter that Kathy Bates will not appear in Cult, after four seasons of regular appearances.[40]
Murphy also revealed via his Instagram account that Freak Show character Twisty the Clown would return in the seventh season, potentially hinting that John Carroll Lynch would reprise his role. It was later confirmed that he would indeed appear in the season as Twisty.[41]
Filming
In February 2017, it was announced the season would begin principal photography in June 2017.[21] By the next month, filming was moved to May 2017.[13] On May 24, 2017, writer and producer John J. Gray confirmed the show started filming.[42]
Reception
Critical response
American Horror Story: Cult has received positive reviews from critics. The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the season a 73% approval rating, with an average rating of 6.94/10, based on 34 reviews. The site's consensus reads, "American Horror Story: Cult intrigues with timely, over-the-top creepiness - and lots of clowns - despite being hampered by broad political generalizations and occasional holes in the narrative's logic."[43] On Metacritic, the season was given a score of 66 out of 100 based on 24 reviews, indicating "generally positive reviews".[44] Template:American Horror Story RT scores S7
Ratings
No. | Title | Air date | Rating/share (18–49) |
Viewers (millions) |
DVR (18–49) |
DVR viewers (millions) |
Total (18–49) |
Total viewers (millions) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | "Election Night" | September 5, 2017 | 2.0 | 3.93[14] | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
2 | "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" | September 12, 2017 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
3 | "Neighbors from Hell" | September 19, 2017 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
4 | "11/9" | September 26, 2017 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
5 | "Holes" | October 3, 2017 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
6 | "Mid-Western Assassin" | October 10, 2017 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
7 | "Valerie Solanas Died for Your Sins: Scumbag" | October 17, 2017 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
8 | "Winter of Our Discontent" | October 24, 2017 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Notes
- ^ Also set to appear in minor roles as Charles Manson, Jim Jones, David Koresh and Andy Warhol, among other famous cult leaders.[4][5][6]
References
- ^ a b "American Horror Story Renewed for (Top-Secret, Duh) Season 7 at FX". TV Line. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
- ^ a b c Wagmeister, Elizabeth (January 12, 2017). "Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters to Return for 'American Horror Story' Season 7". Variety. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^ a b "Ryan Murphy Teases 'American Crime Story' Future Seasons|E! Live from the Red Carpet". YouTube. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
- ^ Squires, John (August 28, 2017). "Evan Peters Playing Charles Manson and Other Cult Leaders in "AHS: Cult"". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved September 3, 2017.
- ^ Swift, Andy (August 25, 2017). "Lena Dunham, Emma Roberts' Cult Characters Revealed, More AHS Scoop". TVLine. Retrieved September 3, 2017.
- ^ Stedman, Alex (September 1, 2017). "'American Horror Story: Cult' Cast: Who's Returning, Who's Not, and Who's New". Variety. Retrieved September 3, 2017.
- ^ a b Ryan Murphy [@MrRPMurphy] (July 19, 2017). "Thrilled that my talented friend Lena Dunham is joining the AMERICAN HORROR STORY family. Always wanted to work together, and now we r!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 19, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 25, 2017). "'American Horror Story: Cult': Ryan Murphy On Lena Dunham's Portrayal Of Valerie Solanas". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ^ a b Murphy, Ryan (August 1, 2017). "Look who showed up on the set of Cult looking glamorous and ready for action". Instagram. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
- ^ a b Swift, Andy (August 25, 2017). "Lena Dunham, Emma Roberts' Cult Characters Revealed, More AHS Scoop". TVLine. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ^ a b c Ryan Murphy [@MrRPMurphy] (July 21, 2017). "Frances Conroy and Mare Winningham return...and others" (Tweet). Retrieved July 21, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ Aquilina, Kimberly (September 1, 2017). "Meet the cast of American Horror Story: Cult". Metro. Retrieved September 3, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e Andreeva, Nellie (March 28, 2017). "'American Horror Story': Billy Eichner Cast In Season 7 Of FX Anthology Series". Deadline.com. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
- ^ a b Porter, Rick (September 7, 2017). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'American Horror Story: Cult' premieres lower than 'Roanoke'". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
- ^ "(#703) "Neighbors from Hell"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
- ^ "(#704) "11/9"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
- ^ "(#705) "Holes"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
- ^ "(#706) "Mid-Western Assassin"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved September 11, 2017.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Cult: Episode Guide". Screener. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
- ^ a b Ausiello, Michael (October 18, 2016). "American Horror Story: Ryan Murphy Reveals Roanoke Twist, Hints at Next Season's Freak Show Tie-In". TVLine.com. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^ a b Stanhope, Kate (February 15, 2017). "Ryan Murphy Reveals 'American Horror Story' Will Tackle 2016 Presidential Election". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
- ^ Rose, Lacey (February 24, 2017). "Ryan Murphy on 'American Horror Story's' Next Season and Casting the Role of Monica Lewinsky". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (April 6, 2017). "Billie Lourd To Star In 'American Horror Story' Season 7 On FX". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
- ^ a b c Nilles, Billie (April 7, 2017). "American Horror Story Season 7 Adds Scream Queens Vet Billie Lourd". E!. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
- ^ Dos Santos, Kristin (April 22, 2017). "Who Will Play Princess Diana on Feud? The Latest From Ryan Murphy". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ Ryan Murphy [@MrRPMurphy] (July 10, 2017). "Official American Horror Story Season 7 title will be revealed Thursday July 20. And suddenly... it will all make sense" (Tweet). Retrieved July 10, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ Ryan Murphy [@MrRPMurphy] (July 10, 2017). "Wait a minute...you want the main title sequence to return this year?!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 10, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ Swift, Andy (July 20, 2017). "American Horror Story: Cult Confirmed — Plus: Who's Returning in Season 7?". TV Line. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
- ^ American Horror Story [@AHSFX] (August 21, 2017). "Watch it begin. Witness the opening credits for #AHSCult" (Tweet). Retrieved August 21, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ Stack, Tim (March 28, 2017). "American Horror Story: Billy Eichner cast in season 7". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
- ^ Pederson, Erik (May 15, 2017). "'American Horror Story': Leslie Grossman Joins FX Anthology From Ryan Murphy". Deadline.com. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
- ^ "Angela Bassett Isn't Sure Political 'American Horror Story' Return Can 'Keep Up' With Reality (Exclusive Video)". toofab. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
- ^ AHStoryNet [@AHStoryNet] (May 26, 2017). "HELL YEAH ! ADINA PORTER IS THERE TOO !!! #AHS #AHS7" (Tweet). Retrieved May 26, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ AHStoryNet [@AHStoryNet] (May 27, 2017). "Cheyenne Jackson @cheyennejackson - On Set of "American Horror Story" - May 26 #AHS #AHS7" (Tweet). Retrieved May 27, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ Murphy, Ryan (June 21, 2017). "Welcome to American Horror Story, Colton Haynes". Instagram. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- ^ AHStoryNet [@AHStoryNet] (June 28, 2017). "Alison Pill is officially joining the cast of #AHS7 !" (Tweet). Retrieved June 28, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ Bono, Chaz (August 1, 2017). "Guess what? YOU could have a walk-on role in American Horror Story! Check out the set, get dolled up, AND grab some lunch with Evan Peters. It's all to support Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Click the link in the bio or go to omaze.com/AHS NOW!". Instagram. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
- ^ Stack, Tim (June 26, 2017). "American Horror Story: Lady Gaga won't return for season 7 despite rumors". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
- ^ Stack, Tim (July 7, 2017). "American Horror Story: Vera Farmiga not appearing this season despite rumors". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
- ^ Nemetz, Dave; Nemetz, Dave (July 31, 2017). "American Horror Story: Kathy Bates Won't Return for Next Season's Cult". TVLine. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
- ^ Murphy, Ryan (July 11, 2017). "He's Baaaaaack". Instagram. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- ^ Gray, John J. (May 24, 2017). "🎥 #ahs7". Instagram. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
- ^ "American Horror Story: Cult Reviews". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
- ^ "American Horror Story: Season 7". Metacritic. Retrieved September 6, 2017.